Letters to the editor: Sept. 22

Those claims are simply outrageous

In light of recent events, it is clear that some facts need to be straightened out. Once again, we see another Right to Life organization insult the community's intelligence by accusing Planned Parenthood of Lafayette of performing illegal abortions. This outrageous claim has been proved again and again to be false. I am perfectly fine with agreeing to disagree on the abortion debate, but to just flat-out lie is completely uncalled for.

While Indiana Right to Life focuses on false accusations and diligently tries to shed Planned Parenthood in negative light, too often we forget about all of the amazing services Planned Parenthood provides. Planned Parenthood gives affordable and accessible health care services to the community, many of whom have no other alternative. Planned Parenthood also offers women's health services such breast cancer screenings and annual Pap tests. For men, Planned Parenthood offers testicular and prostate cancer screenings. In addition, Planned Parenthood educates the community on comprehensive sex education, as well as necessary information about pregnancy, relationships, sexual orientation, sexual assault and rape - the list of services goes on and on.

It amazes me that organizations who are so "pro-life" seem to only focus on one facet of the services - abortion - but overlook all the other Planned Parenthood services that preserve and improve the quality of an individual's life every day. I hope in the future Indiana Right to Life will not be so quick to attack Planned Parenthood for just one of many services it offers; there is so much more to Planned Parenthood.

Sloane Bowman

West Lafayette

Under woman's control, up to a point

In a Sept. 20 letter, a writer maintained that she was "beyond sick of people vilifying Planned Parenthood and trying to take away a woman's right to sovereignty over her own body."

In response, I suggest that, indeed, a woman has sovereignty over her own body up to, and until, she voluntarily allows herself to be impregnated by a member of the opposite sex. After that, what happens to a women's body no longer affects only her, but the human growing inside her, the father, the family and, ultimately, society. To suggest otherwise is an act of irresponsible, unmitigated selfishness.

Diane Sigman

West Lafayette

Farm prices offer a glimmer of hope now

This past summer has been unlike any other in recent memory, with scorching temperatures and little rainfall. All Hoosiers have felt the effects of the devastating weather in one way or another.

This summer's weather has affected farmers in a variety of ways, including crop prices, the loss of crops and ultimately crop yields. However, one surprising area that has not been affected seems to be the price of farmland.

According to a study recently released by Purdue University, the price of farmland has increased at a record pace, the fastest since 1977. The price of farmland has steadily increased since 2010. In 2011 alone, statewide farmland prices increased 22.8 percent to 25.3 percent. Another finding showed that cash rents, or farmland leases, have gone up 13 percent to 14 percent.

The study analyzed the average price of an acre of farmland by the quality of the land. The land quality was categorized as poor, average or top quality. Poor quality land was worth an estimated $4,386 an acre, average land at $5,468 and top quality at $6,521.

As a farmer and member of the Agriculture Committee, I have witnessed firsthand the hardships and trials of many Hoosier farmers. Although this year has been and will continue to be difficult for Indiana farmers, this study shows there is light at the end of the tunnel. Hoosiers are resilient and will bounce back to see better days.

The appreciating value of farmland is a welcomed breath of fresh air and shows that despite a tough year for farmers, hope is on the horizon.